Zoa Fragging Questions

[asharp13]

i will be attempting to frag one of my zoa colonies very shortly and i have a couple questions:

1. after cutting the webbing, do i just scrape the mat off the rock like old paint off of a wall?

2. when i have the frag piece separated, do i dry off the bottom of the web and the the frag site and just glue it?

3. can i use superglue brand gel? or is there a specific type i need that is reef safe?

 

[Guygettnby]

fraggin zoas is really very simple.

1. try to scrape a bit of the rock off with the matt. is makes it easier to glue to a frag plug and it is also less harsh to the zoanthids. using a scalpel or exacto knife is the best tool for this job. try to be as gentle as you can when doing this all.

2. drying off the bottom is a very good idea as it will make a better surface for the glue to attach too. i pat it with a paper towell myself.

3. superglue brand is perfectly fine and using gel is the best way to go. i buy the same thing from the dollar store in the gel form 3 for $1.. if you attempt to use regular superglue it is way too runny and hard to work with.

after glueing your new frag to the plug hold it for about 15 seconds then dip in a conatainer of tank water to help create a quick seal and too cool it down. i let them sit in the container for about 5 min or so after glueing them to give the glue a good chance to cure before putting in my tank. thats all there is too it.

 

[dalston]

^ X2

I will add that make sure you wear eye protection and gloves of some sort, zoas are known to squirt nasties when cut!!

 

[goldmaniac]

+1 on the procedure. simple and effective.

eye protection at a minimum. I just wear clear safety glasses; my kids don't need to have a dad with only one working eye.

 

[asharp13]

alright thx for the help. i cut up my first couple pieces tonight with all of your help. i am not sure exactly how they are supposed to look but i tried my best. hopefully they will open within a day or two!!!!!

 

[hansnfrans]

I have had good experience by placing my freshly fragged zoas in an iodine based dip(follow the instructions on the bottle for concentration) after cutting them. I let them sit in there for approximately 7-10mins and then, as mentioned above, dab the surface to be mounted, with a paper towel and glue. I believe the name of the one I've been using is Seachem Reef Dip.

 

[asharp13]

What purpose does the dip serve??? Does it help the freshly cut portions of the coral heal before gluing?